Brazil’s political landscape was thrown into the spotlight this week as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced his intention to seek a fourth nonconsecutive term in the 2026 election. Speaking during a state visit to Indonesia on October 23, 2025, Lula—who is turning 80 next year—declared, “I’m turning 80, but you can be sure I have the same energy I had when I was 30. And I’m going to run for a fourth term in Brazil,” as reported by both the Associated Press and Brazilian media outlets.
Lula’s announcement came at a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, where he also joked, “I’m telling you this because we’re still going to see each other many times.” The timing and setting of the declaration were significant, highlighting not only Lula’s enduring presence on the world stage but also his ongoing diplomatic initiatives across Asia. After Indonesia, Lula is scheduled to travel to Malaysia to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit—a clear sign that foreign policy remains a priority for his administration.
The Brazilian constitution prohibits presidents from serving more than two consecutive terms, but Lula’s political journey has been anything but conventional. He first held the presidency from 2003 to 2010, then returned to office in 2023 after a thirteen-year hiatus. This unique pattern makes him eligible to run again, as confirmed by the country’s legal framework.
During his current Asian tour, Lula’s itinerary is packed with high-level meetings. Of particular note is his expected encounter on Sunday, October 26, 2025, with United States President Donald Trump in Malaysia. According to Brazilian media reports, this will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders, following a conciliatory phone call earlier in October. The upcoming discussion is poised to address the contentious 50-percent trade tariff that Trump imposed on Brazilian goods in August 2025—a move widely interpreted as a protest against the prosecution of former far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close Trump ally.
Lula and Trump have clashed publicly over Bolsonaro’s legal troubles and broader issues of international trade. The tariff, which has reshaped global demand for Brazilian exports, especially beef, has had a ripple effect on Brazil’s economy. Yet, paradoxically, the controversy appears to have reenergized Lula’s political standing at home, with his popularity receiving a noticeable boost in recent months.
It’s a remarkable turn of events for a leader who, just three years ago, suggested that his 2022 presidential bid would be his last. Back then, Lula cited his advancing age and the need for political renewal in Brazil as reasons to step aside. He narrowly defeated Bolsonaro in a tense run-off election, returning to power at a time when the nation was deeply polarized. But soon after taking office for his third term, Lula began dropping hints that he might not be ready to exit the political stage just yet. In February 2023, he told reporters that a decision on seeking re-election in 2026 would hinge on the country’s political climate and his own health.
Health has indeed been a concern for some of Lula’s critics and supporters alike. Late in 2024, he underwent emergency surgery to treat a brain bleed after a fall in the bathroom—a potentially life-threatening episode that raised questions about his fitness for office. Nevertheless, Lula has been quick to dispel doubts, insisting he remains healthy and energetic. He frequently posts workout videos on social media to reinforce that image, signaling to the public that he’s still up for the demands of leadership.
Despite his reassurances, age remains a talking point in Brazilian politics, with some lawmakers and analysts expressing unease about the prospect of an octogenarian president. Yet, Lula’s dominance on the left is undisputed. He is the country’s longest-serving president since Brazil’s return to democracy four decades ago, and his influence shows little sign of waning.
As the 2026 election approaches, Lula currently leads all major polls. However, the electorate remains sharply divided: about half of voters say they disapprove of his performance, according to recent surveys cited by the Associated Press. The absence of a strong opposition candidate has only strengthened Lula’s hand, but that could change. Analysts observe that any viable challenger will almost certainly need the backing of Jair Bolsonaro, who, despite his legal woes, retains a loyal following among the country’s right-leaning voters.
Bolsonaro’s political future, however, is severely constrained. In September 2025, he was sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup and is now serving his sentence under house arrest. The court’s decision also barred him from running for office, effectively sidelining the most formidable rival Lula has faced in recent years. Still, Bolsonaro’s endorsement is seen as a potential kingmaker for any aspiring opposition candidate, making his support a coveted prize in the run-up to the 2026 race.
The interplay between Lula and Bolsonaro has defined Brazilian politics for much of the past decade. Their rivalry has shaped debates over democracy, economic policy, and the country’s role on the international stage. With Bolsonaro out of the running, some observers believe Lula’s path to re-election is clearer than ever, though others caution that Brazilian politics is rarely predictable. The emergence of a new opposition figure, especially one with Bolsonaro’s backing, could still upend the race.
The broader context for Lula’s campaign is one of both opportunity and challenge. On the one hand, he has weathered personal health scares, international trade disputes, and fierce political opposition to remain at the helm of Latin America’s largest democracy. On the other, he faces a nation still grappling with deep divisions, economic uncertainty, and the lingering aftershocks of Bolsonaro’s tumultuous presidency.
As Lula prepares to meet with President Trump and attend the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, the world will be watching closely. The outcomes of these diplomatic engagements could have significant implications for Brazil’s economy and its standing on the global stage. At home, Lula’s campaign will test whether experience and resilience can outweigh concerns about age and the desire for renewal.
For now, Lula’s message is one of defiance and determination. “I’m turning 80, but you can be sure I have the same energy I had when I was 30,” he told reporters—a statement that, for supporters and skeptics alike, sets the tone for what promises to be another dramatic chapter in Brazil’s political history.
With the 2026 election on the horizon and the opposition still searching for a champion, Brazil finds itself at a crossroads, poised for another spirited contest that will shape its future for years to come.
